The foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), at the end of their 27th extraordinary session in Kuwait yesterday under the chairmanship of Qatar's Shaikh Hamad bin Jasem bin Jaber Al-Thani, reiterated their solidarity with the State of Kuwait; voiced support for its right to take measures to ensure its security and safety; and affirmed that preservation of the security and stability of each of the GCC states was a collective responsibility. Praising the significant role being played by the Peninsula Shield in the defense of Kuwait, they deplored any aggression against that country, citing the recent incident of missiles launched against it from Iraq. Nevertheless, they warned against undermining the security and safety of the innocent Iraqi civilians; held the Iraqi government responsible for the deteriorating situation in the county; and expressed the belief that the Iraqis themselves should undertake the management of their affairs. They urged the international community, represented by the United Nations, to move swiftly and effectively to ensure Iraq's sovereignty and unity; expressed the GCC's readiness to extend humanitarian support to the Iraqi people; and reiterated their desire for a bright future for an Iraq that adheres to Arab, Islamic and international norms, notably the resolutions of the UN Security Council.